Dive Summary:

• Utility pole suppliers have struggled to keep up with demand following Hurricane Sandy, especially with thicker poles that are used widely across the east coast.
• The demand is expected to at least match the replacements required following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, which was about 100,000 poles.
• Utility companies say the supply of poles has not slowed restoration and are adamant they have enough supplies to finish their tasks.

From the article:

The challenge in restoring power to the millions who were left in the dark following Hurricane Sandy has been more than impassable roads and contracting enough work crews.

It's also been maintaining a steady supply of utility poles. ...